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Bowne House Tract |
Owen Easement |
Stanley Coleman Easement |
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Hunt's Crossing |
Scudder Easements |
Mahon Easement |
The Properties
Natco Lake
Hazlet
Completed in 1980, 73.5 Acres
In its first endeavor, the Monmouth Conservation Foundation acquired and then transferred 73.5 acres of valuable wetlands to the Township of Hazlet for use as a nature study area. This breeding and resting habitat for migratory and non-migratory birds also serves as a ground water recharge area for the Bayshore region. Development here would have had an adverse effect on the wildlife as well as the drinking water of residents in the area.
Walnford Park
Upper Freehold Township
Completed in 1980, 41 Acres
Joanne and Edward Mullen donated their historic milling and farm complex located on 41 acres in Upper Freehold to the Monmouth County Park System via the Monmouth Conservation Foundation. The pre-Revolutionary homestead and surrounding lands were held in trust by the Foundation while the county waited for Green Acres funds to acquire contiguous lands along Crosswicks Creek.
The "Walnford" Georgian mansion and its outbuildings provide a vivid record of early American industry carried on by Quaker Richard Waln and his descendants. The gristmill, carriage house, smokehouse, cheese house, caretaker's house, icehouse and barn still stand today. The County restored the mansion, the mill and the outbuildings and opened them to the public in September 2000.
Old Wharf Park
Oceanport
Completed in 1983, .50 Acres
The Borough of Oceanport wrote to the Foundation requesting assistance in obtaining a final addition to its Old Wharf Park on the banks of Oceanport Creek. Old Wharf Park, an example of community renewal, is a lovely passive recreation facility with a historical legacy. Green Acres and HUD community development grants made the park funding possible. The Foundation participated by acquiring and holding this parcel until funds became available.
Huber Woods
Middletown
Completed in 1985, 255 Acres
The Monmouth Conservation Foundation participated in the acquisition of 255 acres of open space land along Brown's Dock Road and Bowne Road in Middletown donated by the Huber family to the Monmouth County Parks System. This valuable property was acquired by the family over the years, after Joseph and Anna Huber settled in the area in 1908. It consists of woods, fields, one of the Huber family houses, and several farm buildings, all overlooking the Navesink River. By deed the woods and fields must remain open space, with the land and buildings used in ways compatible with open space and farmland. The park is home to SPUR, a horseback riding facility for the handicapped and the main house now serves as an Environmental Studies Center.
Marlu-Twitchell Tract
Holmdel/Middletown
Completed in 1987, 456 Acres
Concerned about the protection of the County's water supply and the impact of a proposed 450 condo/townhouse/private home development, the Monmouth Conservation Foundation enlisted its members and joined residents and other groups urging the county to acquire and protect 456 acres of farmland adjacent to Thompson Park on the Swimming River Reservoir in Holmdel and Middletown. The Board of Freeholders courageously approved a bond ordinance to fund the acquisition. The purchase was also made possible by a $3 million Green Acres matching grant.
Gower Farm
Upper Freehold Township
Completed in 1989, 82 Acres
The Monmouth Conservation Foundation purchased 82 acres of farmland adjacent to Walnford Park from Mr. and Mrs. Walter Gower of Upper Freehold and then conveyed the acreage to the County for an addition to the park. The Foundation arranged for the sale of the development rights to 77 adjoining acres (also owned by the Gowers) through the Farmland Preservation Program. Funding, provided by the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, led to the successful preservation of the entire tract's open space.
Gray Farm
Upper Freehold Township
Completed in 1989, 167 Acres
Instead of 49 houses on 2-acre lots, 167 acres of rich, undeveloped farmland in Upper Freehold will remain forever rural as a result of the Foundation's acquisition. Through the Farmland Preservation Program, MCF sold the development rights of the Gray Farm, permanently restricting the land to agricultural use only.
With restrictions in place, the Foundation swapped the remaining fee for the development rights on other farmland. The Gray Farm, along with the Tindall Farm, are the centerpiece of an agricultural district made up of contiguous farmlands along Crosswicks Creek.
Tindall Farm
Upper Freehold Township
Completed in 1989, 122 Acres
The Monmouth Conservation Foundation purchased this 122-acre productive farm from Earl Tindall in Upper Freehold. Seventy-two acres of the rich, fertile fields are currently in the Farmland Preservation Program permanently restricting the land to agricultural use only.
MCF managed the rental of the farmland for eight years. On October 17, 1997, the Foundation transferred title of the Tindall Farm to Ed Mullen, while retaining title to approximately nine acres for future preservation needs. In a simultaneous transaction, the Foundation purchased Walnford Field Farms, a ± 90-acre property from Ed Mullen and then sold the farm to the County of Monmouth. MCF also purchased a scenic/historic easement on 8.5 acres w/house on Walnford Field Farms and a scenic easement on 19.75 acres of Fair Winds Farm to protect the entrance to Walnford Park. Both of these easements were sold to the County.
Wampum Lake
Eatontown
Completed in 1989, 9 Acres
The Monmouth Conservation Foundation helped Eatontown make their dream come true by acquiring the remaining nine acres bordering Wampum Lake to add to the Borough's existing Veteran's Park located on the Rt. 35 corridor to the Monmouth Mall in Eatontown. Slated for a townhouse development, MCF held and managed the property until conveyance to Eatontown when Green Acres funds became available. This lakefront park is a breath of fresh air in a very busy section of Eatontown.
Keelen Estate
Middletown
Completed in 1990, 12 Acres
Twelve beautiful acres of steep, wooded slopes adjacent to Deep Cut Park on Red Hill Road in Middletown were saved from an 11-lot subdivision by MCF acquisition. The purchase was made possible by a substantial gift received from the owner Mrs. Patricia Keelen in memory of her late husband. This picturesque land was conveyed to the County as an addition to the existing Deep Cut Park.
Search & Lamb Farms
Upper Freehold Township
Completed in 1990, 141 Acres
The Monmouth Conservation Foundation and the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders have worked together to create an agricultural district on the rich lands along Crosswicks Creek in Upper Freehold in order to preserve the rural quality of life in the county and to ensure that these lands will remain actively farmed forever. To that end, with the financial commitment of the Freeholders, MCF acquired and conveyed to the county the 57 acre Search Farm and the 84 acre Lamb Farm.
Langeveld Dutch Bulb Company Tract
Freehold Township
Completed in 1990, 375 Acres
The Monmouth Conservation Foundation employed a novel approach to open space protection coordinating the sale of 375 acres of open land bordering the upper reaches of the Manasquan River in Freehold Township. Under the plan, 250 acres will be preserved for open space, the Township will use 50 acres for senior housing, and 75 acres sold as single family one-acre lots.
MCF was awarded a $500,000 Matching Grant from Green Acres for the open space portion. MCF secured an agreement from the landowner to participate with a Matching Donation. The 250 acres is now part of the Manasquan River Green Way under the county's Stream Valley Protection Plan.
Weny Tract
Tinton Falls
Completed in 1991, 5.8 Acres
At 5.8 acres, the Weny Tract in Tinton Falls is one of the smallest land projects undertaken by the Foundation. But it is no less important since it provides access to a 17-acre recreation area owned by the borough. Named after its owner Frank Weny, the tract was purchased by the Foundation and conveyed to Tinton Falls once Green Acres funding became available.
Spellman Estate
Holmdel
Completed in 1993, 3 Acres
MCF purchased these 3 acres of wooded land on Holmdel-Keyport Road containing a house and garage in 1993. The Foundation acquired the property with a donation from relatives of the Spellman Estate and a 50-50 Matching Funds Grant from Green Acres. Transfer of the property to the County Park System as an addition to Holmdel Park took place in 1996.
Hurley Pond
Wall Township
Completed in 1994, 25 Acres
MCF actively encouraged, and worked with, Wall Township to apply for Green Acres funding to acquire 24 acres adjacent to Hurley Pond so that the property could be kept in its natural state and to prevent a sub-division. Wall obtained a Green Acres loan/grant of $712,000 for this acquisition and closed on the property November 7, 1994.
Fisherman’s Cove
Manasquan
Completed in 1995, 65 Acres
Realizing that Fisherman’s Cove was the last remaining open coastal area in the County, MCF moved quickly to assist in the purchase of the 65 acres bordering the Manasquan Inlet. Once State, County and local officials recognized that the property was worthy of preservation and protection a coalition was formed to assure its conservation. The Monmouth County Board of Freeholders took ownership of the property for use as a conservation area in July of 1995. Utilization of the property will include nature trails and programs, pedestrian access to the river, and observation blinds on the river.
Halifax Piece
Wall Township
Completed in 1995, 119 Acres
In September of 1995, MCF assisted Wall Township in the purchase of a 117-acre parcel, commonly known as the Halifax piece. In December of the same year, the Foundation advised Richard Tilton on how to present a deed restricted donation to Wall Township of two acres that adjoin the Halifax property.
Giambrone Farm
West Long Branch
Completed in 1996, 10 Acres
MCF provided advice and guidance to the Borough of West Long Branch to help it successfully purchase the 10 acre Giambrone Farm using a Green Acre loan/grant. This parcel is at the headwaters of Dennis Brook and will complete a green belt through the center of town. The property will be used for open space and recreation.
Murray Farm
Howell
Completed 1997, 76 Acres
MCF provided assistance to the Township of Howell in acquiring several lots, owned by Eugene and Richard Murray. This land will help to create a link between the Bear Swamp Natural Area and Allaire State Park. MCF signed an option agreement for purchase of the property, which was exercised in December of 1996. Closing took place in 1997 with Howell Township taking possession of the land.
Wolf Hill Farm
Oceanport
Completed 1997, 95 Acres
MCF started negotiations for this valuable piece of property in 1993. This densely populated area was in need of a Park. This property represented the last large open space of land East of the Parkway. MCF aided the County by having appraisals and other necessary paperwork performed.
Princeton Nurseries
Upper Freehold
Completed in 1998, ± 33.11 acres
MCF purchased 33 acres of land from Crosswicks Farms, Inc. The property was then sold to the County Park System as an addition to the Crosswicks Creek Park. This land will be forever preserved in its natural state as a piece of the open space inventory of Monmouth County.
Roberts Swamp Brook
Manasquan and Brielle
Completed in 1998, 3+ Acres
MCF received a bargain sale of approximately 3 acres of land located on the Roberts Swamp Brook in Manasquan, from the Frazee brothers in December 1995. During 1997 MCF was granted a matching project grant of $200,000 from Green Acres to proceed with the project. Appraisals were completed and offers made to the three landowners. Two refused the offer and one, Mr. Nystrom, agreed to sell in late 1997.
The Nystrom property is two lots. One lot is located in Manasquan and one is located in Brielle. MCF purchased both properties on September 30, 1998. Manasquan and Brielle have each purchased the parcel of land located within its boundaries.
Madsen Property
Middletown
Completed in 1999, 10.48 acres
Mrs. Madsen's property is adjacent to the Banfield property, located by the Middletown Railroad Station. In the beginning of 1999 Middletown was negotiating to purchase the Banfield property for use as a park and indoor recreational facility. At the same time, Mrs. Madsen was being offered a deal by a developer who wanted to build 100 condominiums on her property. MCF was very concerned that the property would be lost forever.
MCF met with Rose Madsen's representative and started negotiations. Meanwhile, MCF spoke with the Middletown Township committee to see if they were interested in purchasing the property. The committee was very excited about the possibility of owning the adjacent lot to Banfield and asked MCF to continue its negotiations. Once an agreement had been reached MCF stepped out of the picture and the Township and Mrs. Madsen completed the deal.
Bates Property
Wall Township
Completed in 1999, ½ acre
The Bates property is an in holding of the Shark River Park in Wall Township. The County requested that MCF aid them in the purchase of the land and house as an addition to the park. MCF negotiated a price and closed on the property in October 1998. The property was sold to the County in 1999.
Baum Property
Tinton Falls
Completed in 2000, 10+ acres
MCF was approached by the County Park System and asked to negotiate with the owner of property located on the south side of Route 33 in Tinton Falls. The boundary of the land is also along the Shark River Brook. The owner was looking for a quick sale. MCF had a preliminary appraisal done and made an offer, which was accepted by Mr. Baum. The deal was closed in June of 2000 and MCF sold the property to the County for an addition to its Stream Valley project.
Fund for Roosevelt
Roosevelt
Completed in 2000, 300+ acres
The Fund needed MCF's help with financing in order to raise enough money to purchase two farms.
Hain Properties
Howell
Completed in 2001, 11 small lots
MCF closed on this property March 22, 2001. MCF transferred the land to the County as an addition to the Stream Valley corridor the County is preserving along the tributary of the Mingamahone Brook.
Chase Tract
Holmdel
Completed in 2001, 416 acres
MCF closed on this property on June 26, 2001. The State Farmland Preservation Program funded 190 acres of the tract's farmland for less than $9 million. This farmland will be resold, with permanent restrictions limiting future uses to agriculture.
The remaining 226 acres were purchased by a coalition of partners, to be maintained as part of the Monmouth County Park System. Green Acres provided almost half the funding needed, in separate grants to be matched by Monmouth Conservation Foundation, Monmouth County and Holmdel Township.
Merrick Farm
Howell
Completed in 2001, 66 acres
Susan Keymer, who owns 66 acres of land, which is currently being farmed for hebs and organic vegetables, applied to the county for the sale of the development rights on her property. The county approved her application in the amount of $600,000 for those rights. The money was not forthcoming for several months. Meanwhile, the farm was to be put up for Sherrif's sale and Ms. Keymer could have lost it to a developer.
MCF provided a bridge loan to pay off the arrears and to carry the mortgage until the fund came through from the county. In September 2001 the monies from the County were distributed and MCF was paid back for the loan with interest. Now, the farm is preserved forever.
Dey Properties
Upper Freehold
Completed in 2001, 15+ acres
Dr. Dey's farm is directly across from Walnford Park in Upper Freehold. In order to preserve the scenic view enetering Walnford, the County wanted to secure easements on the part of the farm that was visible from the entrance to Walnford. The Park System asked MCF to negotiate for three different scenic easements all located at the entrance of Walnford. Once the negotiations were complete and the closing took place MCF transferred the easements to the County.
The Easements
Bowne House Tract
Leonardo
Completed in 1987, .34 Acres
In its 10th Anniversary year, MCF purchased the historic Bowne House in an effort to preserve one of Monmouth County's oldest homes. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur H. Sorensen of Rumson, who took title while MCF placed conservation easements on the property to ensure its permanent protection, made this acquisition possible. The easements assure that no actions will be taken which would adversely affect the historic, scenic or natural resource values of the property.
Hunt's Crossing
Middletown
Completed in 1992, 84 acres
The Monmouth Conservation Foundation acquired the 84-acre Hunt's Crossing tract on McClees Creek in Middletown to protect valuable wetland and floodplain areas, to prevent a 14 lot subdivision, and to preserve the character of the surrounding area. The Foundation created a unique scheme to develop the property with a substantially lower number of estate lots, limiting development to a total of four houses, placing conservation easements on the sensitive areas.